Checklists by trade
3 lists · 16 items · 30 photosRooftop solar PV inspection checklists
Rooftop solar PV inspection checklists for the rough-in, final and punch walks: 3 free lists, 16 items and 30 photo requirements, each item naming what to look for and the photo that proves it. Work is commonly verified against NEC (NFPA 70); the edition in force is the AHJ's call on each project.
The rooftop solar PV walks, in build order
Rooftop solar PV Rough-in· Rooftop solar PVRooftop solar PV rough-in inspection checklistRoof attachments, flashing and structural fastening verified before modules and wire management cover the roof5 items10 photosRooftop solar PV Final· Rooftop solar PVRooftop solar PV final inspection checklistModules torqued, grounding and wire management complete, rapid-shutdown and labeling in place, with energization observed and documented7 items15 photosRooftop solar PV Punch· Rooftop solar PVRooftop solar PV punch checklistCloseout walk for module damage, loose clamps, missing labels and flashing touch-up4 items5 photos
Where each walk sits in the schedule
- Rooftop solar PV rough-in inspection checklistrough-in
- After layout is chalked and attachments are set, before any modules land on the roof and while every penetration is still open to inspect and re-flash. Run by: The install crew lead laying out the array, with the GC's superintendent or roofer signing off penetrations before they are hidden.
- Rooftop solar PV final inspection checklistfinal
- After all modules are set and the electrical is terminated, at the commissioning and energization visit before the array is turned over. Run by: The install crew lead with the electrician, and the GC's superintendent for the walk before commissioning.
- Rooftop solar PV punch checklistpunch
- During closeout, after the array has cycled through weather and other trades have finished any rooftop work above or around it. Run by: The install crew lead on a callback, or the GC's superintendent closing rooftop punch items.
What most often sends rooftop solar PV work back
- Standoffs lagged into decking or sheathing instead of hitting the rafter or truss below, so the pull-out capacity was never there.
- Flashing slid under the shingle course on the downslope side only, leaving the upslope edge exposed to run-off.
- Ballast blocks counted against the layout drawing but never checked against the roof's allowable load for that zone.
- Module clamps run down by hand or an uncalibrated driver, so torque was assumed rather than set to the clamp maker's value.
- Conductors zip-tied straight to the rail with no drip loop, left to sag onto the roof membrane where they abrade in the wind.
- Rapid-shutdown labeling and the initiation device installed, but the shutdown function never actually triggered and watched at the modules.
- A clamp backed off after thermal cycling and was retorqued, but never marked, so the next walk can't tell it was addressed.
- A flashing touch-up sealed on the surface while the underlying reverse lap that let water in was left in place.
Verified against
Families only, never clause numbers. Adoption varies by jurisdiction; confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
Common questions
- Which rooftop solar PV inspections do these checklists cover?
- Rooftop solar PV rough-in inspection checklist (rough-in): After layout is chalked and attachments are set, before any modules land on the roof and while every penetration is still open to inspect and re-flash. Rooftop solar PV final inspection checklist (final): After all modules are set and the electrical is terminated, at the commissioning and energization visit before the array is turned over. Rooftop solar PV punch checklist (punch): During closeout, after the array has cycled through weather and other trades have finished any rooftop work above or around it.
- Who runs a rooftop solar PV inspection?
- The install crew lead laying out the array, with the GC's superintendent or roofer signing off penetrations before they are hidden. The install crew lead with the electrician, and the GC's superintendent for the walk before commissioning. The install crew lead on a callback, or the GC's superintendent closing rooftop punch items.
- What most often sends rooftop solar PV work back?
- Standoffs lagged into decking or sheathing instead of hitting the rafter or truss below, so the pull-out capacity was never there. Flashing slid under the shingle course on the downslope side only, leaving the upslope edge exposed to run-off. Ballast blocks counted against the layout drawing but never checked against the roof's allowable load for that zone. Module clamps run down by hand or an uncalibrated driver, so torque was assumed rather than set to the clamp maker's value.
- Which standards is rooftop solar PV work verified against?
- NEC (NFPA 70), published by the National Fire Protection Association. Adoption varies by jurisdiction. Confirm the edition your authority having jurisdiction enforces before you run a walk against it.
- Can I run these checklists in RTI?
- Yes. Start a free RTI workspace and load any of the 3 lists (16 items in total). The Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached, and approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper-evident audit trail.